Effects of abdominal bracing maneuver during walking on trunk muscle endurance in healthy staff of Northwest Institute: A randomized controlled pilot study

This study aimed to find the effect of abdominal bracing (AB) maneuver during walking on trunk muscle endurance in healthy individuals. A randomized control pilot study was conducted at Northwest Institute of Health Sciences Peshawar from July to December 2023. A total of 32 participants aged 25–40 were randomized to Groups A and B. Group A received AB maneuver with walking, while Group B received walking only. Both groups received a total of 12 sessions. Pre- and post-endurance testing was performed using McGill’s Torso Muscular Endurance Test. The mean age of participants in Group A was 29.06 ± 5.14 years, while the mean age of participants in Group B was 27.62 ± 2.84 years. The mean and standard deviation of the flexor endurance test between Groups A and B after treatment were 27.37 ± 3.26 and 16.21 ± 2.24, respectively. A significant difference was observed in flexor endurance and right and left lateral flexor endurance between the two groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in extensor endurance between the two groups, having P > 0.05. Within-group analysis in Group A revealed a significant difference in pre-post-intervention flexion, right and left lateral flexors, and extensors (P < 0.05). However, within-group analysis in Group B revealed a statistical difference in flexors endurance, which is not clinically significant. The AB maneuver with walking compared with walking alone may improve the endurance of the trunk flexors, specifically the right and left lateral flexors.